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I've categorized Apollo's Raven as an adult historical fiction with strong elements of fantasy and romance. Right now, it is categorized as Historical Fiction with the sub-category of fantasy (Historical Fantasy). Does this category adequately describe the book? Or should it be categorized as Fantasy with strong elements of history, romance, or myths and legends?

I posed this very question and the admins blocked the post for not being relevant enough! This is something I would love to her more opinions on. I think it hits historical fantasy but at times it feels as if the characters are written for a younger audience, especially with the substantial focus on Catrin as a somewhat coming of age heroine.

I think this would end up in the romance section of a bookstore. The first subcategory in my mind is fantasy. The last category in my mind would be historical fiction. I like that a lot of the facts of life are actually accurate, but I think the main theme of the book is forbidden love.

bb587 wrote: ↑30 Sep 2018, 11:25 I think this would end up in the romance section of a bookstore. The first subcategory in my mind is fantasy. The last category in my mind would be historical fiction. I like that a lot of the facts of life are actually accurate, but I think the main theme of the book is forbidden love.

I think that the average romance reader would pick up this book and be disappointed. I love romance and fantasy, but I don't think that this book fits the bill for romance as the relationship never got the foundation it deserved and the "romantic" scenes were absolutely cringe-worthy.

CommMayo wrote: ↑30 Sep 2018, 11:08 I posed this very question and the admins blocked the post for not being relevant enough!

LOL, same here. Not sure why it's allowed now. But back to the question, I think the book is more fantasy than historical fiction. You could set it in a different period or a completely made up world and the story would still make sense. But you can't take out the magical parts without drastically altering the story. That to me makes it a fantasy story.

Would this book appeal more to fantasy readers that historical fiction readers? The novel was primarily written for adults (18-35 years), as the primary characters--Marcellus and Catrin--age by 16 years during the series. Also there will be elements of sexuality and violence that are only suitable for adults. However, I'm interested to know why some think this would appeal more to the YA group?

I the book would be served if it was classified as fantasy. I love fantasy and historical fiction. Early on I was disappointed in many historical fictions due to the condition of the difference. I feel yours would be better classified as fantasy due to the freedom the category gives you for the time you are writing about (not much historical evidence).

I see all fictional books to find their stories based on some interpretation of history, it is finding this, that makes them all the more appealing to me. I have now come to see historical fiction more as a set story line (such as main events in the story can not be changed due to historical record) with a writer filling in the parts history does not know as factual.

Linnea Tanner wrote: ↑01 Oct 2018, 13:01 Would this book appeal more to fantasy readers that historical fiction readers? The novel was primarily written for adults (18-35 years), as the primary characters--Marcellus and Catrin--age by 16 years during the series. Also there will be elements of sexuality and violence that are only suitable for adults. However, I'm interested to know why some think this would appeal more to the YA group?

Catrin is under 18 in this book, and we tend to identify with characters around our own age, so her age is one factor.

Also, if I have it right, Marcellus is Catrin's "first." She had been getting flirts from other guys in the village, but Marcellus is the first one she really looks at in a romantic way. That kind of "discovery" of the opposite sex is something we've all related to when we were entering adolescence. Her struggle to explore a relationship with the Roman speaks directly to a pre-teen/early teen audience more than an 18+ audience.

I see this book gets a fair share of criticism over the sex scenes, but it's the first I've seen in a little while now where the scenes are tasteful and not just an excuse to write porn. Some parents might be concerned about their young ones reading it, but I don't think they are graphic enough to exclude a younger audience. Maybe 13+ might be an appropriate target audience.

The genre should be historical fiction. Also there's fantasy and romance. But that's not the main thread of the story. So I'd say it's definitely historical fiction.

The book leans more towards fantasy/ horror fiction if there is such a category.

I'd put it in fantasy. Even though it's very historical, I think it might still qualify for historical fantasy. Or, perhaps, myths and legends. It does seem a bit more like legend than history based on the time period. Fantasy definitely, though.

I appreciate everyone's reply, as I've struggled on the best way to categorize the book. It is currently listed as Historical Fiction / Fantasy but Amazon has listed the sales rankings under categories of fantasy historical and Myths and Legends (Greek and Roman). Though it incorporates some Greek and Roman mythology, the fantasy is mostly based on Celtic mythology.

Well, with Amazon, the more categories you're in, the better. And since there's a lot of gray between categories, it wouldn't hurt to try and secure placement in all of those that are remotely relevant.

I think it should be under fantasy

This book strikes me as a romantic fantasy with elements of myths and legends because the author decided to describe the erotic scenes in details. If she had skipped over those scenes, then maybe the book could have leaned toward historical fantasy.